Planning for the future of the next generation

There is a saying that "Norfolk Island will become a millionaire's paradise" -
If the millionaires were to be young Norfolk Islanders, then we may be in for a bright future, however unfortunately, that is not the inference of the quote.
On the 15th of July, the Minister for Finance, Craig Anderson, wrote to the Federal Minister, Brendon O'Connor, providing him with Budget information and a picture of how he viewed Norfolk's financial position into the future.
The Minister suggests that Norfolk needs to pay a contribution to the Cwlth in order to obtain funding and grants to pay for the delivery of services to the people.  The Minister has acknowledged the impossibility of the situation; that is for the small working population and the tourism industry to support the expectations of a modern, isolated community.  It is now clear that the inability of our government to participate in natioal partnership programs, as of right, is detrimental to our economy and our best interests.  Minister Anderson and this government has called for a joint task force to consider contribution options.  When options are put and dialogue begins, it is the role of this government and its officers to ensure that changes will be workable and that the community is informed and aware of how changes will affect them so we do not see baseless fear campaigns begin.
When I stood for the election I made it very clear that I was asking for a mandate to facilitate real change to the current fiscal arrangements, with the co-operation of the Cwlth.  I said we must make changes, not because we are in financial difficulty but because it is the responsibility of government to plan for the future.  If we debate this issue in the community, and I hope we do, we should keep two things very separate in our minds - on one hand there is self government and our heritage and on the other hand is taxation and economics.  Governance and taxation should be seen as two entirely differnet things.  Financial sustainability is the question.  How do we retain the very essence of our existance and at the same time move ahead?
This community is looking  for leadership and as the Chief Minister said in his campaign, we must sort out the finances, until we do that we can't do much -
This government is taking that lead and endorsing the need to address changes that must be made.  I thank the Minister for finance and the entire government for taking this step in the right direction for us all and I would certainly join their quest and assist in anyway I can.  Please feel free to add your comments and ideas on what you would like to see put on the table and considered.

Government Ownership of business

Some will argue that government should be asking the question -

 “how can the government assist current business development and future business investment?”

I will suggest that it is unfortunate that governments before us have gone as far as they have in becoming the business sector of the island and that new Government must investigate a roll back of that development.  If not, we continue down the current path of government controlled business activity. That path would provide zero opportunity for future business investment and growth in big business. I suggest that this community will not continue to accept the government tactic of coercive monopoly. The community becomes resentful when they understand they are not getting value for money and are forced to accept sub-standard  product and service.  Government objective should be service and delivery of a quality product – provided by the business community, regulated via legislation that protects employees, consumer rights and taxes profit.  Continuing to follow the same game plan will not provide confidence to those who are looking for future business development opportunities, particularly in the area of the internet.

The debate must be had - should there be privatization of government infrastructure or should the government maintain and develop monopoly structures?  If the government is to maintain current levels of business activity then efficiencies must be made and business plans and programs must be tabled and published.

Reflections - shopping

Something that is probably unique to Norfolk is the number of jobs that the average person works. There are differing views as to why this occurs so much here on the island; some say it is because there are not enough people to do all the jobs needed and so we work more than one job, others will argue that one is forced to work more than one job to pay basic living costs. I know people in both baskets. I sometimes do an extra job - honestly, because I am helping out a friend. That is what we do here. The lady I help out occasionally is Di and she owns a gorgeous gift shop in the main street. I say a gift shop but of course it is much more; there are books, scarves, incense, quilting material, crystals and stones. Sometimes Donna helps Di and both gals are great for a chat while you are having difficulty choosing your tumble stones! For me as a public representative it is a good chance to talk to locals I don't see often enough and with visitors to seek their views about the island. It might be something about Reflections, the positive aura the shop exudes, but everyone who crosses the door step is so nice!  www.norfolkonline is running a poll this week that asks - is the shopping on Norfolk good for locals, visitors or neither.  There was no "both" option.  I always shop locally and find great stuff.  If we are serious about helping our economy we must.  I suggest that everyone takes a walk through Burnt Pine every so often to realize what our local shops have.  You might be pleasantly surprised.  P.S.  Never go into debt to buy what you don't need.